Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, `You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
(John 3:5-8 (NIV))

I once saw a bumper sticker that said “Born OK the first time.” After two thousand years, it is hard to believe that people still do not fully grasp what Jesus was speaking about. Either that, or they prefer the sin that the flesh has them in.

The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.
(Matthew 26:41b (NIV))

The body, or the flesh, is weak and prone to sin. Sin cannot be overcome by the flesh. How can weakness overcome sin? It take a stronger presence to overcome the power of sin. Those who reject the Holy Spirit are rejecting God’s Grace and telling the world that they love their sin. Only righteousness can stand before God. Righteousness comes only from accepting Jesus Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to enter into your life. This is what Jesus spoke of when He said that “You must be born again.” Those who reject this, reject God.

Take a close look at your life. Have you allowed the Holy Spirit to enter into your life in such a manner that the world sees the difference? Have you been born again?

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I came that they may have life,
and have it abundantly.
(John 10:10 (NAS))

Which visitor would you prefer? Would you welcome the one who comes to steal, kill and destroy, or would you welcome the one who brings abundance?

For me, the choice is obvious, but far too many people seem to want to welcome the thief because they doubt the free gift of abundance. Why would someone willingly welcome destruction? Perhaps it is a simple matter of trust. Let’s face the truth. If we have never been able to trust someone when they make a promise, it is difficult to start to trust when you are told that you can have life in abundance and all that you have to do is accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. I know that it sounds too good to be true, and that is exactly how many people look upon the salvation offered through the atoning blood of Jesus. They simply think that it is too good to be true; that it is too easy.

How can we bring these people to a salvation through Jesus if they will not listen to the simplicity of God’s plan for salvation? We must gain their trust. We must do what Jesus would do when dealing with them. We must love them and show them the truth behind God’s plan for salvation. We must show them Jesus in all that we do.

I know that it looks obvious whom we should invite in, the thief or the one who brings abundance, but the world has confused many people. We must show the love of Jesus so that they will turn away the thief.